THE funeral took place this week at of retired Saltburn newsagent John King, pictured right, who died suddenly on Christmas Eve at his home in Skelton.
Despite being injured in a serious car crash two years ago and the life-long effects of childhood polio Mr King lived a full life.
Mr King, who was 71, took over his father's newsagent business in Station Street, Saltburn in the early 1970s, building it up to four shops, including two selling toys at Stokesley and Thirsk.
Before he retired he praised his loyal, long-serving staff of one full-time and seven part-time workers, plus the 12 newspaper delivery boys and girls - "girls are the more reliable," he said.
His hobby was breeding lambs on his six-acre small-holding and he continued this work in retirement helped by the family.
Eldest son Charles runs an internet business from Skelton Green, James farms and daughter Charlotte teaches at Skelton primary school.
He was a keen member of Saltburn Rotary Club and held every office, having been president twice.
It was while driving to a Rotary dinner at Saltburn golf club that the car crash occurred in 2006.
As a thank-you to hospital staff he asked the Loftus Masonic Lodge, of which he was charity steward, to donate £400 towards a device to check patients for circulation problems.
Mr King made the presentation at East Cleveland Hospital, Brotton, on December 16.
He praised the help given by hospital staff at the James Cook and Guisborough hospitals.
Mrs Pru King was present at the ceremony - she had driven her husband from their home.
His funeral took place in Skelton Parish Church.
MIKE MORRISSEY
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hi i keep racing pigeons to if that happend to me i would hunt them dowen and set tham on fire i fill sorry for thar loss